Download A Guide to Common Infections

A Guide to Common Infections
DISEASE
HOW IT IS
SPREAD
SYMPTOMS
AND SIGNS
Respiratory Infections
Common Cold
Spreads person to person via
droplets; indirect spread via
contaminated hands, objects,
surfaces. Almost always viral.
Ear Infections
(Otitis Media)
Complication of cold.
Influenza
Strep Throat
Scarlet Fever
Whooping Cough
(Pertussis)
Virus spreads through air in
enclosed spaces, by direct
contact with respiratory
secretions or indirectly by
contact with contaminated
hands, objects, surfaces.
Incubation period 1-3 days.
Bacteria spreads person to
person through respiratory
droplets or direct contact with a
symptomatic person or
asymptomatic carrier. Rarely
spread indirectly through
contaminated surfaces.
Incubation period 1-3 days.
Bacteria which is spread from
person to person by respiratory
droplets, and direct contact with
respiratory secretions. Rarely,
through indirect contact with
surfaces.
Very infectious.
Incubation period 6-20 days.
Runny nose, sneezing, sore
throat, cough, decreased
appetite. Fever with some
colds.
Earache or irritability, fever
and cold symptoms.
WHEN TO
REPORT TO
EXCLUDE FROM
PUBLIC
SCHOOL
HEALTH
Do not give ASA; acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
WHEN IS IT
CONTAGIOUS
One day before to five
days after onset.
Not infectious.
Campylobacter
Cryptosporidosis
Parasite excreted in stool of
infected persons and animals.
Spreads person to person and
through contaminated food or
water. Incubation period 2-14
days, average 7 days.
Do not exclude unless too ill to
take part in the activities.
Sudden onset of fever, chills,
headache, generalized
aches and pains, loss of
appetite, cough. Weakness
and cough can last several
days to weeks.
Before symptoms have
developed until 5-7 days
after onset of symptoms.
Exclude until well enough to
participate. Usually 5-7 days.
Fever, sore throat. General
discomfort and tender glands
on the neck. Sandpaper-like
rash on neck, chest, in folds
of axilla, elbow, groin, and
inner surface of the thighs.
Face looks flushed.
Until 24 hours after
treatment begun. If
untreated 10-21 days.
Exclude until 24 hours after
the start of antibiotics.
Begins as cold with runny
nose and cough. Cough
gets gradually worse and
occurs in spasms,
characterized by inspiratory
‘whoop’.
Fever uncommon.
From onset of runny
nose until 3 weeks after
onset of paroxysmal
cough with whooping (if
not treated with
antibiotics).
Exclude until 5 days after start
of antibiotics or 3 weeks from
onset of paroxysmal or
‘whooping’ cough if no
treatment is given. Contacts
may need antibiotics or
vaccine.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacteria excreted in stool. Can
be found in poultry, beef,
unpasteurized milk or other
food. Contaminated water may
be source of infection. Infected
pets and farm animals may also
be a source. Incubation period
1-10 days.
Do not exclude unless too ill to
take part in the activities.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Frequent hand washing
is important.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Report to Health Unit.
Influenza can result in
serious complications for
the elderly and those
with chronic health
problems.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Report to Health Unit.
Parents and staff should
be notified.
Do not give Aspirin
Fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
blood in stool, abdominal
cramps, and malaise.
Watery, non-bloody diarrhea,
abdominal cramps and
sometimes fever, loss of
appetite, nausea and
vomiting. Fever and vomiting
are common in children.
Symptoms may last 1-2
weeks or as long as a
month. Symptoms can come
and go over time.
For duration of diarrhea.
If untreated, can shed
bacteria in stool for 2-7
weeks.
Exclude until diarrhea is gone
and symptom free for 24
hours.
From onset of diarrhea
until several weeks after
symptoms resolve.
Exclude until diarrhea is gone
and no other symptoms for 24
hours.
Report to Health Unit.
Report to Health Unit.
Immunocompromised
people are at risk of
serious complications.
DISEASE
Diarrhea
HOW IT IS SPREAD
Germs are spread through the
stool of infected persons.
Spread directly from person to
person; indirectly from hands of
staff and children, objects,
surfaces, food, or water
contaminated with germs
(young children frequently put
fingers and objects in mouth).
Escherichia coli
(E. coli 0157:H7)
Spreads through food or water
contaminated with human or
animal feces. Person to person
spread is found in families, child
care centres, and custodial
institutions. Incubation period 2
to 8 days. Usually 3-4 days.
Giardia
Parasite in stool of infected
persons. Spreads person to
person. Common in child care
settings. Incubation period 3 25 days or longer. Average 7-10
days.
Hepatitis A
Norwalk Virus
Norwalk-like Virus
Rotavirus
Salmonella
Shigella
Virus excreted in stool of
infected persons. Spreads
person to person by the fecaloral route; may also be spread
in contaminated food or water.
Incubation period 15-50 days.
Virus excreted in stool or vomit
of infected persons. Spreads
person to person through the
fecal-oral route. Vomiting can
cause the virus to become
aerosolized and infect food,
water and surfaces. Incubation
period 1-2 days.
Germ is excreted in stool of
infected persons and spreads
person to person through the
fecal-oral route. May also
spread via contact and through
respiratory secretions.
Incubation period is 1- 3 days.
Acquired mainly from
contaminated food, including
eggs and egg products, beef,
poultry, unpasteurized milk, and
produce. Incubation period 6-72
hours. Average is 12–36 hours.
Bacteria excreted in stool of
infected persons. Spreads
person to person by indirect or
direct fecal-oral transmission.
Also spread in contaminated
food, water or milk. Flies can
be vectors. Incubation period 17 days.
WHEN IS IT
CONTAGIOUS
WHEN TO EXCLUDE
FROM SCHOOL
WHEN TO
REPORT TO
PUBLIC HEALTH
Increase in frequency of
stools and/or change to
unformed, loose, or watery
stool. Fever, loss of
appetite, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, mucus or
blood in stool may also
occur. Diarrhea may be
dangerous in infants and
young children because the
loss of fluid may cause
dehydration.
For duration of diarrhea.
Exclude children until
diarrhea is gone or physician
determines child is not
infectious. Notify parents at
once if any of the following
are present: 2 or more
episodes of diarrhea or
o
diarrhea with fever over 39 C
(102oF); repeated vomiting;
dehydration; blood or mucus
in stool.
Report to Health Unit:
outbreaks of 2 or more
children having diarrhea
occurring within 48 hours,
also any case of bloody or
diagnosed bacterial
diarrhea.
Mild diarrhea to blood in
stool, abdominal cramps,
Generally, no fever present.
For duration of the
diarrhea.
Exclude until no diarrhea or
other symptoms for 24 hours.
Report to Health Unit.
Often, months.
Exclude until treated and no
diarrhea for 24 hours.
Report to Health Unit.
2 weeks before to 1
week after onset of
jaundice.
Exclude for 1 week
after onset of jaundice (or
illness if no jaundice is
present).
Report to Health Unit.
Vaccination is available
for susceptible contacts.
Diarrhea and vomiting
accompanied by abdominal
cramps, headache, malaise,
myalgia, low grade fever.
Symptoms persist for 24-48
hours.
During acute stage of
illness and up to 48
hours after the diarrhea
has stopped.
Exclude until 48 hours after
diarrhea and vomiting have
stopped.
Report outbreaks to the
Health Unit.
Fever and vomiting precede
watery diarrhea. Dehydration
may occur rapidly.
Symptoms usually last for 4
–6 days.
During the acute stage
of illness through to the
8th day of infection.
Exclude until 48 hours after
diarrhea and vomiting have
stopped.
Report outbreaks to
Health Unit.
Emphasize proper hand
washing.
Sudden onset of headache,
abdominal pain, diarrhea and
nausea. Sometimes vomiting
is present. Fever is common.
Anorexia and diarrhea tend
to persist for several days.
While having diarrhea.
Can be several days to
several weeks.
Exclude until 24 hours after
diarrhea has stopped.
Report to Health Unit.
Treatment is usually not
indicated.
Excellent hand hygiene is
important.
Diarrhea, fever, blood and/or
mucus in stool, abdominal
cramps.
Symptoms usually last 48–72
hours.
For duration of diarrhea.
Highly infectious.
If untreated up to 4
weeks. Asymptomatic
carriers may transmit
infection. The carrier
state may persist for
months.
Exclude until diarrhea is
gone and no other symptoms
for 24 hours.
Report to Health Unit.
Emphasize proper hand
washing.
SYMPTOMS
AND SIGNS
Most children have no
symptoms. May have
diarrhea, loss of appetite,
bloating, abdominal cramps,
pale and greasy foul smelling
stools, excessive gas,
fatigue, weight loss.
Most children have no
symptoms. May have fever,
loss of appetite, nausea,
abdominal discomfort,
followed in a few days by
jaundice (yellow colour in
skin and eyes).
DISEASE
HOW IT IS SPREAD
Skin and Scalp Infections
SYMPTOMS
AND SIGNS
WHEN IS IT
CONTAGIOUS
WHEN TO EXCLUDE
FROM SCHOOL
(Refer to School Board policy for Head Lice)
WHEN TO
REPORT TO
PUBLIC HEALTH
Do Not give Aspirin
Chickenpox
(Varicella)
Spreads person to person by
direct contact, droplet or airborne
spread of fluid from vesicles or
secretions of the respiratory tract.
Indirectly through articles freshly
soiled with secretions from
vesicles. Very infectious. May
develop following contact with
person having shingles.
Incubation period 14-21 days.
Shingles
Reactivation of chickenpox.
If a person who has never had
chickenpox touches the rash of a
person with shingles, they may
develop chickenpox.
A rash, often with blisters,
that may be painful, usually
on one side of the body.
Herpes Simplex
(Cold Sores)
Virus spreads person to person
by direct contact with saliva and
infected sores.
Many infections occur
without any symptoms. May
cause high fever, many
painful ulcers in and around
mouth. May recur as cold
sores.
For several weeks
during initial infection
and intermittently
thereafter especially
when cold sores return.
Exclude if too ill to
participate. Avoid direct
contact with lesions or cold
sores.
Impetigo
Bacteria spreads person to
person by direct contact.
Caused by same bacteria that
causes strep throat.
Pustules or crusted rash on
face or exposed parts of
body (arms and/or legs).
From onset of rash until
1 day after start of
treatment with
antibiotics.
Exclude until antibiotic
treatment has been taken for
1 full day.
Ringworm
Spread by direct or indirect
contact with lesions of infected
persons or animals. Indirectly
through contaminated floors,
shower stalls and benches.
Incubation period 4-14 days
depending on type of ringworm.
Depending on type of
ringworm, may cause circular
lesions on skin or scalp.
Lesions may have slightly
raised red edges and may be
dry and scaly. Other types of
ringworm may affect the skin
between the toes (Athletes
Foot) or the nails.
While lesions are visible.
Exclusion is not required.
Treatment is important.
Avoid contact sports until
cleared by a physician to
return to sports.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Mites spread person to person by
prolonged direct close contact.
Incubation period 2-6 weeks in
persons without previous
exposure. 1-4 weeks in those
previously exposed.
Very itchy rash. Usually
appears on fingers, elbows,
armpits and abdomen.
Until mites and eggs are
destroyed by treatment.
Usually after 1 or
occasionally after 2
courses of treatment a
week apart.
Exclude until 24 hours after
treatment is first applied.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Fever, headache, sore
throat, lack of energy. Small
painful ulcers in mouth. Rash
consists of red spots often
topped by small blisters on
hands and feet.
Communicable during
acute stage of illness;
can continue to transmit
virus in stools for weeks.
Most common in
summer and fall.
Do not exclude unless too ill
to participate.
Not reportable to the
Health Unit.
Redness, swelling, itching,
pain, discharge from eye.
After sleep the discharge
forms dry, yellowish crusts
on eyelashes.
For duration of
infection or until
24 hours after
treatment has started.
Exclude if yellowish
discharge present and then
until the antibiotics have
been taken or dropped into
eyes for one full day.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Usually afebrile, very red
rash begins on cheeks
(slapped face appearance)
followed by a lace-like rash
on the trunk and extremities
which fades but may come
and go for 1 to 3 weeks.
Greatest before onset of
rash. Probably not
communicable after
onset of rash.
Do not exclude if well
enough to take part in
activities.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
In consultation with Public
Health, notify pregnant
teachers and parents who
may have had exposure.
Scabies
Sudden onset of mild fever.
Small red pimples which
develop into blisters, then
become encrusted. Occurs
in successive crops, and
tends to affect face, hands,
neck and extremities.
Up to 5 days before
onset of rash and lasting
until lesions have
crusted (about 5 days).
Up to one week after the
rash develops. No
longer infectious once all
the blisters have
crusted.
Return to school or childcare
as soon as child is well
enough to participate
normally in all activities
(regardless of the state of the
rash).
Return to school or childcare
as soon as child is well
enough to participate
normally in all activities
(regardless of the state of the
rash). Where possible, the
rash should be kept covered.
Other Infections
Cocksackie A
(Hand/Foot/
Mouth Disease)
Conjunctivitis
(Pinkeye)
Fifth Disease
Virus spreads person to person
through direct contact with nose
and throat discharges and faeces
of infected people or by
aerosolized droplets. Incubation
period 3-5 days.
Bacteria spreads person to
person by contact with secretions
from eye or respiratory
secretions. Indirect through
contaminated clothing and other
articles. Incubation period usually
24-72 hours.
Virus mainly spreads from person
to person through contact with
respiratory secretions. Incubation
period is 4-20 days to
development of rash.
Report to Health Unit.
Vaccine available.
Staff and parents should
be notified. Susceptible
pregnant staff will need to
seek medical care
promptly.
Not reportable.
May seek guidance from
Public Health, as vaccine
for chickenpox is available
for susceptible contacts.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Not reportable to Health
Unit.
Do not give Aspirin
DISEASE
HOW IT IS SPREAD
Hepatitis B
Virus found in blood, semen and
vaginal fluids. Can be spread by
unprotected sex, blood contact,
bites, and from mother to baby at
birth.
Measles
(Red Measles)
Virus in respiratory secretions.
Spreads person to person
through the air or direct contact
with nasal or throat secretions.
Highly infectious.
Incubation period 7-18 days.
Spreads from person to person
through direct contact with nose
and throat secretions. Can be
viral or bacterial.
Incubation period is 1 – 10 days.
Meningitis
Virus spreads person to person
by droplets and through the air.
Also spread by direct contact with
the saliva of infected persons.
Incubation period is usually 15-18
days.
Mumps
Roseola
(Sixth Disease)
Spread of human herpesvirus 6 is
not clearly understood. Common
in children 6-24 months of age.
Incubation period is about 10
days.
Spreads from person to person
when nose and mouth secretions
from the ill person enter the nose,
mouth or eyes of another person.
There is risk of severe damage to
the fetus if a pregnant woman
gets rubella during the first half of
the pregnancy. Incubation period
14-21 days.
Rubella
(German
Measles)
SYMPTOMS
AND SIGNS
Lack of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, tiredness,
abdominal pain and/or
yellowing of the skin
(jaundice).
May be asymptomatic.
Fever, cough, runny nose,
inflamed eyes, followed by
rash. Rash is characterized
by large red spots which
often join together, starts on
face and spreads rapidly
over body.
A severe headache, sudden
onset of fever, vomiting, stiff
neck and sensitivity to light.
May develop a red pin-point
rash.
Can be life threatening
infection.
Asymptomatic carrier state
exists in 5 –10% of the
population.
Typically involves swelling of
the salivary glands.The virus
can also affect other parts of
the body.
About 1/3 of infections do not
involve facial swelling, but
instead show signs of
respiratory infection.
Starts with fever. Several
days later small red spots
appear on face and body.
Rash lasts 3-5 days. In some
children, high fever may be
the only symptom.
Many children infected have
no signs of illness or rash.
May have mild fever, sore
throat, swollen glands in
neck and behind the ears,
which is followed in 5-10
days by a rash.
WHEN IS IT
CONTAGIOUS
From weeks before
onset to months or years
after recovery from
acute illness. May be
infectious for life.
From about 4 days
before onset of rash until
4 days after onset of
rash.
For bacterial meningitis,
communicable until 24
hours after the start of
antibiotics.
WHEN TO EXCLUDE
FROM SCHOOL
WHEN TO
REPORT TO
PUBLIC HEALTH
No exclusion required.
Report to Health Unit.
Immediately report any
bites that cause bleeding.
Hepatitis B vaccine and/or
immune globulin may be
indicated for close
contacts under special
circumstances.
Exclude until at least 4 days
after onset of rash.
Report to Health Unit at
once.
Immediate reporting is
essential in limiting
outbreaks of measles.
For bacterial meningitis,
exclude until 24 hours after
the start of antibiotics.
For viral meningitis, exclude
until well enough to
participate.
Report to Health Unit
immediately.
Seek emergency care
immediately.
In some circumstances,
close contacts may
require antibiotics or
vaccine.
From 7 days before to 9
days after onset of
swelling.
Most infectious 2 days
before to 5 days after
onset of swelling.
Exclude for 9 days after
onset of swelling.
Report to Health Unit.
Unknown.
If the virus becomes
latent may be
communicable for life.
Difficult to diagnose until
rash appears.
Do not exclude unless too ill
to participate.
Not reportable to the
Health Unit.
7 days before until at
least 4 days after onset
of rash.
Exclude for 7 days after
onset of rash.
The rash starts on the face
and becomes generalized in
24 hours. It lasts about 3
days.
Report to Health Unit.
Susceptible pregnant staff
should seek medical care
promptly.
Sources:
1)
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2006). Red Book 2006:Report of the committee on infectious diseases (25th ed). American Academy of Pediatrics: Elk Grove Village, IL.
2)
Heyman, D (2004). Control of Communicable Diseases Manual (18th ed). American Public Health Association: Washington.
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